Catching Hope Blog & Review Tour

Catching Hope JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Catching Hope by Kathy Cassel, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Catching Hope Author: Kathy Cassel Publisher: Haven Point Publishing Release Date: March 22, 2022 Genre: Teens/YA, Christian Catching Hope: A pursuit fraught with danger. Newly adopted Lexi Michaels is taking her first real vacation as she, twin brother Levi, adoptive brother Chad, and new cousin Jen head to Haiti where their dad, a pediatrician, will be volunteering in an island clinic. But who is the man who displays such hatred for the Michaels when they arrive at their resort? Is an attempted burglary as random as it appears? Will Jen ever accept the newcomers to the family? When the four teens set out to explore Haiti’s sights and history on their own, an unexpected encounter and natural disaster plunge them into adventure and danger. With their very survival at stake, can the four teens work together, or will Lexi’s dream of a “forever family” end in tragedy? PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | BookBub

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kathy Cassel is the author of eleven books for Christian preteens and girls and three Young Adult Fiction books. Kathy grew up in northern Indiana, lived on three different continents while her husband was in the USAF, and now lives in the Florida Panhandle. She and her husband have eight children, five of whom are adopted, three from Haiti and two from the United States. They also have six grandchildren. Kathy’s favorite activities are those that involve traveling and adventures that include her children and grandchildren. In order to better relate to the characters in her stories, Kathy has done things such as whitewater rafting, certify in scuba diving, and get her motorcycle endorsement. She draws the line at sky diving. CONNECT WITH KATHY:Website | Facebook | Instagram

EXCERPT

Going headfirst down a rushing river isn’t good. I remembered
when Dr. and Mrs. M took us whitewater rafting a few months
ago. We were instructed that if we fell out of the raft we should lie

on our backs and put our feet in front of us. That way we’d hit
submerged rocks with our feet, not our heads.
This knowledge was no help at the moment. I was nothing
more than a rag doll being pitched about. Had I truly escaped the
kidnappers only to die in the river anyway? Which was worse?
Where was Levi? And Chad and Jen? I could see nothing
but roiling, brown water.
I shut everything from my mind except what I needed to
do. My survival required keeping my head above water. At least I
wasn’t crashing against any boulders. After what seemed an
eternity of tumbling and tossing like a washing machine, the river
current slowed enough for me to get into the feet-first position. I
had to focus all my effort on staying that way.
I rounded a curve. Ahead of me, I could see where part of
the river widened into a calm, flat surface. If I could only
maneuver my way into the still water! I kicked, trying to get to the
edge of the water, fearing I’d never reach it.
Then as though the river had decided to spew me out, I

found myself floating gently toward the bank. I put my feet down
and discovered mud under my sneakers. Sloshing to the edge, I
pulled myself out.
A new panic gripped me. Where were the others? Was I
ahead of them, or had they been pulled past this spot, unable to get
out? Or were they even still—no, I wouldn’t let my thoughts go
there! They had to be okay. Especially my twin.

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(2) winners will receive a $25 BAM card gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight June 21, 2022 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on June 28, 2022. US only. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

March 4, 2022March 4, 2022

The Baker’s Legacy Blog Tour

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Baker’s Legacy by D. P. Cornelius, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: The Baker’s Legacy Author: D. P. Cornelius Publisher: independently published Release Date: February 2022 Genre: Middle Grade / Young Adult Historical Fiction Teen-aged Resistance fighter Liddy has persevered, going toe-to-toe with Nazi officer Keppler. Living out her faith has helped save the Mittendorf family bakery in Berlin. But now, as WW II is winding down, the city is under siege by the Russians, and the family’s very survival lies in the balance. The final invasion brings with it an unthinkable atrocity forced upon Liddy. With mounting misfortunes, she questions not only the viability of an unwanted pregnancy, but also her once strong faith. Meanwhile, Liddy’s sweetheart and fellow Resistance warrior, Marek, who was snatched away from her by the Nazis, has been longing to reunite. Escaping from a gruesome work camp, he strives mightily to find Liddy, but time and again is re-buffed. The end of the war brings hardship to all. But out of nowhere, the redeemed Keppler, imprisoned in a POW camp, comes back in a most startling way. Sequel to The Baker’s Daughter, Illumination Award Winner.PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon

ALSO AVAILABLE

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Illumination and Moonbeam award-winning author Doug Cornelius hails from the Twin Cities, MN. He began writing after careers at Target, Ameriprise, and 3M. A Cornell University graduate, his hope is to reveal the lives of impactful Christian figures through story, rather than biography. Doug has been married for 45 years and has two children, three grandchildren, cat Selah, and new puppy Scout.

CONNECT WITH DOUG:Website | Twitter

My Review

I love historical fiction and this is a very interesting read. The evils of WWII and how so many were faced with unspeakable horrors, are found throughout this book. The story follows Liddy and Marek during the last days of the war. Liddy’s family owned a bakery, but the Nazi regime took her father. Liddy, with her mother and brother barely survive baking bread. Marek is a prisoner and endures many terrors. He only wants to get back to his dear Liddy.

The Christian faith of each is tested over and over. Liddy is raped by a Russian soldier when they come to take over the city. She finds out that she is pregnant and then her mother has a severe stroke and is taken to a medical facility. She leaves for Munich to stay with her grandparents. Marek is free and trying to find her, but will they be able to deal with all the trauma they have gone through? Will Marek be able to accept her child?

I enjoyed the book, which included much real history. The book deals with adult themes, but doesn’t include any descriptive language. If a younger student reads this novel, it would be good for parents to discuss the book with them.

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card plus the winner’s choice of a signed book written by the author (1) winner will receive their choice of a free signed book

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight March 1, 2022 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on March 8, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

February 28, 2022February 28, 2022

A Daydream A Day Book Review/Giveaway

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. Affiliate link included. Purchases made through this link cost you nothing extra, but provide this site a small commission.

Welcome to the Book Review for A Daydream A Day by Ivan Tu. The book review is by Lisa’s Reading.

About the Book

A collection of cute drawings and inspirational poetry about growing up, defining success, and falling in love:

A Daydream a Day is a book with fifty black-and-white, cartoon-style drawings that will fully immerse readers in the daydreams of a young adult trying to make sense of life.

The collection is divided into five parts-on a continuum from being lost, to facing inner demons, and finding life direction. Each drawing and poem compel readers to consider life, extracting simple but profound truths through visual art: pursue your dreams, stay humble, and never give up.

Along the way, readers will encounter a vast expanse of cartoon characters-a skydiver; a big, furry bear; and a boy catching feelings. In addition, the collection serves as a reference and inspiration for digital artists in search of new ideas on brush/pen, background, and shading techniques.

Ivan Tu’s collection is perfect for young adults searching for happiness in a confusing and competitive world. Ivan discovered how to be happy in the act of creation, and hopes his words and drawings leave a smile on your face too.

Purchase Links:

Amazon Bookshop.org

About the Author

Ivan Tu is the author and digital illustrator of A Daydream a Day. His writing career started in 2020 during the start of the pandemic. Trapped at home for months, Ivan discovered creative freedom through pen and paper.

By no means a professional artist, he self-taught himself how to draw by watching online tutorials, reading books, and practicing hard. Ivan hopes that his story from a non-artist to being a self-published author will inspire others to live their best lives: dream big and discover what makes them happy.

Ivan was born and raised in California, USA. and is currently working on improving his art skills by taking art classes at community college. He works a sales job in the semiconductor industry during the day and teaches piano as a side hobby. However, his dream is to become a full-time author one day.

My Review

This book of poetry has 50 short poems and accompanying illustrations. The rhyming poems cover a wide range of topics and ideas. There are simple straightforward poems, such as ducks on a pond, to more philosophical poems. This collection reminds me of the mind of a young adult, because in some ways young adults love enjoying the things they did in childhood. At other times, young adults are taking on the purpose of life. As the reader goes from one poem to another, they should relate to the messages, whether simple or complex.

Giveaway

One winner will receive a copy of A Daydream A Day.

Entrants must be 18 years of age or older and live in the US. Winner will be notified by email and have 48 hours left to reply and claim the prize. If they fail to do so, a new winner will be chosen. No social media is in any way responsible for this giveaway. Author is responsible for prize fulfillment.

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@2022, copyright Lisa Ehrman

October 7, 2021October 1, 2021

The Sand Pounder Book Tour

Join Us For This Tour: October 4 to October 22, 2021

Book Details:

Book Title: The Sand Pounder – Love and Drama on Horseback in WWII by M. J. Evans
Category: Young Adult Fiction (Ages 13-17)
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Dancing Horse Press, 284 pages
Release date: September 2021
Content Rating: Rated G – Completely clean

“The Sand Pounder is one of those rare historical novels with a charm that appeals to both young and old readers.” – Vincent Dublado for Readers’ Favorite

“M.J. Evans does an excellent job of winding the era’s history and the lesser-known job of the Sand Pounders into a realistic story of a mature teen’s determination to make a difference in her world.” – Diane Donovan for Midwest Book Review

“A gripping YA historical novel packed full of twists, turns and memorable characters. Highly recommended!” – The Wishing Shelf Book Review (UK)

Book Description:

Fearing an invasion by German and Japanese forces during World War II, the U.S. Coast Guard enlisted horsemen to patrol the beaches along the east and west coasts. The unit was called “The Sand Pounders” and they rode their horses up and down the beaches from 1942 to 1944.

In Tillamook, Oregon, a young equestrian decided to join them. There was only one problem…they were only accepting men. That didn’t slow her down.

“The Sand Pounder” is a Young Adult historical fiction set during World War II.

Buy The Book:
Amazon
add to goodreads

Meet the Author:

Award-Winning, Best-Selling author, M.J. Evans grew up in Lake Oswego, Oregon, and graduated from Oregon State University. She spent five years teaching junior high and high school students before retiring to raise her five children. She is a life-long equestrian and enjoys competing in Dressage and riding in the beautiful Colorado Mountains.

connect with the author: website ~ instagram ~ facebook ~ goodreads ~ pinterest

Tour Schedule:

Oct 4 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
Oct 4 – Westveil Publishing – book review / giveaway
Oct 5 – Working Mommy Journal – book review / giveaway
Oct 5 – Cover Lover Book Review – book spotlight / giveaway
Oct 6 – Cheryl’s Book Nook – book review / giveaway
Oct 7 – Lisa’s Reading – book spotlight / giveaway
Oct 8 – Sefina Hawke’s Books – book review
Oct 12 – Splashes of Joy – book review / guest post / giveaway
Oct 12 – FUONLYKNEW – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Oct 12 – The Lost Review Of Odd Books – book review
Oct 13 – Kam’s Place – book spotlight / guest post
Oct 14 – Book Corner News and Reviews – book review / giveaway
Oct 15 – wottaread – book spotlight
Oct 15 – Books for Books – book review
Oct 18 – Connie’s History Classroom – book review / guest post / giveaway
Oct 19 – Literary Flits – book review / giveaway
Oct 20 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Oct 20 – Rajiv’s Reviews – book review / giveaway
Oct 21 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review / giveaway
Oct 22 – Writer with Wanderlust – book review / guest post / giveaway

Enter The Giveaway:

THE SAND POUNDER Book Tour Giveaway

If you love Book Tours, Book Reviews, and Giveaways, please subscribe to the Lisa’s Reading Newsletter.

September 30, 2021September 29, 2021

Kyle and Corey and the Game-Story Mystery

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Kyle and Corey and the Game-Store Mystery

by Joe Stephens

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GENRE: Juvenile (or Y/A) fiction

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

Kyle & Corey Holley (15 and 12) live in Fairly Springs, a small southern beach town. Kyle is a budding engineer; Corey is impetuous, funny and sports-crazy. Like most brothers, they fight often, but they also solve crimes—like the rash of recent robberies around town. When Kyle and Corey investigate, they learn that in each robbery, the thieves stole a high-end desktop computer. Why? What are they looking for? And how soon till they find it? Other complications include Corey’s wheelchair-bound math tutor, Kyle’s after-school job in a local game store and a revolutionary new video game launching soon.

Kyle and Corey: Brothers. Best Friends. Detectives. They don’t go looking for trouble; it has them on speed dial!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Excerpt

That night at dinner, sitting at their comfortable round oak dining table at

home, Mrs. Holley said to Corey, “She thinks you’re a pathological liar.”

“He is a pathological liar,” Kyle said, helping himself to more mashed

potatoes and pouring a generous helping of brown gravy over them.

Corey, sitting across the table from him, glared over his plate of sliced roast

beef, steamed broccoli, and a smaller helping of mashed potatoes. “Liar is a

strong word. I know the difference between truth and a lie, you turd.”

“Corey!” his mother said in warning.

“Well, I do. I only lied at the end a little, when I said the whole thing was a

lie.”

“I know,” Mrs. Holley said. “Ms. Morrison hasn’t lived here long enough to

know what happened this summer.”

“That’s why I did it. If she’d thought it was really true, she’d have asked all

kinds of questions and probably made me write a whole other paper. She’s that

type.”

Mrs. Holley looked affectionately at her younger son. Corey had a knack for

picking out the essential personality traits in everyone he met, almost instantly.

He knew things about people after a ten-minute conversation that took therapists

months to root out.

Her husband Donald was proud of Kyle for his math and science abilities, his

kind and forgiving nature, his loyalty to friends and his gift for taking raw

materials and turning them into something new and unexpected. He was proud

of Corey for his people smarts, his vivid personality, and his natural ability as an

athlete. “I wouldn’t trade either of ‘em for a million bucks,” he told his wife

often, and she always answered, “Wait till someone makes you an offer.”

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

JOE STEPHENS has been a fan of boys’ adventure books all his life, and in

this, his first series book, he’s created two boys as memorable as Frank and Joe

Hardy. He has a background in education and has also visited more than thirty

countries while pursuing his passion for scuba diving. He lives in Georgetown

with his growing family and three thoroughly spoiled cats.

Amazon buy link:

BN: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/kyle-corey-and-the-game-store-mystery-joe-stephens/1139681787

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58394956-kyle-corey-and-the-game-store-mystery

My Review

Kyle & Corey love to go looking for trouble, and they find plenty of it in the Game Story Mystery. The older brother, Kyle, gets really good grades in school and Corey loves playing baseball. They both love video games and Kyle even gets a part-time job in the local game store. He wonders why so many kids at school were fired after just working there for a short time.

Kyle starts to feel like something there might be illegal. He becomes even more curious when a string of burglaries come to their normally-peaceful town. Corey and Kyle have a history of trying to solve mysteries in their town, and now they begin their own investigation. They even try to get information from the police chief.

After another school-mate is brutally attacked by the burglars, Kyle decides to set a trap and try to catch the criminals. He thinks he knows who they are, but is he right? Could he be in danger? The reader will be in for quite a few surprises in this suspense-filled book for juveniles and young adults.

You’ll find 2-3 mild curse words. This is well-written and a real page-turner that young people will enjoy.

Giveaway: Enter to win a $25 Amazon or Barnes & Noble Gift Card Giveaway

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September 13, 2021September 12, 2021

Ancient Tales and Legends Book Tour

“Unforgettable Characters…Ancient Mysteries Solved…Time-Defying Travel…A Teen / YA / Historical Fiction Must Read…”

By Cheryl Carpinello

Title: Tutankhamen Speaks
Author: Cheryl Carpinello
Publisher: Beyond Today Educator
Pages: 81
Genre: Teen / YA / Ancient Egypt Historical Fiction

From over 3000 years ago comes the voice of the Boy King.

Scrolls found buried in the basement of the Egyptian Museum. Transcribed in an ancient hand. Record the words of King Tut for all to read.

Tutankhamen answers all of the lingering questions, including the big one.

Discover the real story behind this famous pharaoh. Transport yourself back to an Ancient Egypt filled with mystery, magic, and danger!

Book Excerpt:

Growing up in Akhet-Aten

From the time I was able to walk, I had the run of our palace. Usually it was just me and Ankhesenpaaten. We played the normal childhood games. We would run through the palace chasing and hiding from each other. The gardens and the pools were great places to hide. All too often one of us would fall into one of the pools as we raced by. Then we would move the game outside into the heat so that our clothes would dry. In Egypt’s heat, it didn’t take long. [missing text]

Sailing toy boats

When I was small, palace carpenters made me toy boats. Sometimes these were made to resemble the barges that would carry crops and animals down and up the Nile from one settlement to another. Some were fully outfitted royal barges complete with sails and the poles used when the barge was moving up river. I started playing with these in the palace pools. Later, as I got better at loading them and maneuvering them, I would find a place near the palace where the Nile ran slower. There I would dig out canals for the boats to float in. Sometimes Ankhesenpaaten would help me. One time we had so many canals built that it took all afternoon for our crop barges and the royal barges to enter into the canal system and then sail through and re-enter the Nile. I loved those days with Ankhesenpaaten and the Nile.

Senet

In the evenings we would play Senet. My sisters and I became skilled Senet players, and our games would often last late into the night. My favorite were the casting sticks.

Title: Sons of the Sphinx
Author: Cheryl Carpinello
Publisher: Beyond Today Educator
Pages: 189
Genre: Teen / YA / Ancient Egypt Historical Fiction

A grandmother’s gift usually bring happiness. Rosa’s gift: a very different story. Hearing the dead alienated her from classmates. Not good for a 15-year-old.

Many times very insistent, the dead cared little for her surroundings. They even bothered her in class. Dates? Forget that.

Then one day, he shows up in her room. An old dead guy. A really old famous dead guy. In living human form!

Thrilling story of battling good and evil in an ancient world.

Book Excerpt from Chapter 11:

A well-traveled dirt road leads back into the valley formed by the hills on either side. Although not high by my experience, rising up from the sandy floor, the Theban Hills are impressive. Jagged crevices run up and down the sides of the hills, and in many places, man-made square arches can be seen. The Tombs of the Pharaohs. I’m walking in the footsteps of an ancient people. How cool.

I hurry to catch up with him. A mistake, sweat stings my eyes and grit scrapes my cheek when I wipe my face. My shirt is sticking to me by the time I come even with him. Does Re never find a cloud to hide behind? Did I say Re? Now I’m starting to think as an Egyptian. Good grief. Must be the heat. There is no shade anywhere. Like a shimmering mirage on a hot highway, the heat rises in waves off the barren hillsides. No trees can withstand this burning furnace. The only shelter exists under the entrances to the tombs.

Tut hurries ahead, but I may never get here again, so I take my time. We pass one entrance, and I walk over closer to it. Heavy wooden doors covered in hieroglyphs bar the way. Ancient rope—rough, scratchy, and strong—twisted around the door handles and knotted tight, holds them closed. On the right door handle there is a clump of mud molded like those wax seals used on letters. It covers the handle and the rope. Symbols are pressed into it.

“Tut, what is this for and what does it say?”

He hurries over, curious.

“Why the rope and this lump of mud?”

“Lump of mud? Oh Roosa, you are looking at the Necropolis Seal placed here by the priests. That it is still here means that the tomb is intact. No one has entered since the burial.”

“Does the seal say whose tomb this is? Is it a pharaoh?”

“No, not a pharaoh. Here.” He points to a set of hieroglyphs. “These state that this is the tomb of the dignitary Ramose.” He pauses. “I remember hearing stories about him when I was young. He was the governor of Thebes during Thutmosis IV’s time.”

“Do all the tombs carry this seal?”

“Yes, but even in my reign, it was becoming difficult to keep the tombs sealed. Thieves continually broke in to steal the property of the dead.”

“Tomb robbers.”

“Yes. When they were caught, their hands were chopped off.”

I gasp at such horrible consequences.

“You are shocked. I understand that in your time, there does not exist an undisturbed tomb here.” He waves his hand around the entire valley. “Who are these people who think they have the right to touch a Pharaoh of Egypt, even a dead one? They disturb our sacred resting places and steal the items left for our journey into the afterlife. May they all be cursed along with their families.”

I stand beside him, my mouth agape. Up to now, Tut has been determined in his mission, angry at Horemheb, but he hasn’t lost his composure. Until now. I try to find words to soothe him.

“They only want the world to know about the pharaohs of ancient Egypt. How magnificent they were. How they lived.”

He turns on me. “You don’t learn about a people by stealing what is sacred to them. In my time and yours, they are nothing more than common tomb robbers!”

“Scholars have shared what they learned. They search for knowledge. I learned about you from the artifacts in the exhibit.”

“Harrumph! What do you and they know? Nothing. Nothing at all! All you do is seek the treasures and the gold to make yourselves rich.” He spits in the dirt. “You wouldn’t know wealth if you were buried in it. Tomb robbers, the whole lot.”

He stomps away almost at a run, propelled by his anger. I hurry to keep up with him. We round a bend and to the left a small path winds up a cliff and then disappears. His chest heaves with ragged breaths and he’s actually vibrating he’s so enraged.

“We aren’t all like that, you know.” I whisper, wanting to avoid a harsh response. “Some of us understand that true wealth comes from within, from one’s heart, from love for others, and from respect for family.” I pause. “Some of us do.”

He says nothing; he doesn’t turn to look at me, but his breathing slows; his fingers unclench.

Cheryl Carpinello taught high school English for 25 years. During that time, she worked with numerous students who didn’t like to read for a variety of reasons. However, she discovered that even the most reluctant readers became engaged in the classroom and in reading when she introduced units on King Arthur and the works of ancient world writers. Upon retiring, she set out to write fast-paced, action-filled stories in these setting to encourage young readers to read more. When not writing, you can find her reading, spending time with family, and traveling.

“In 2008, my husband and I spent three weeks traveling around Egypt via train and visiting all those magnificent archeological sites. Since we returned home, Egypt has never been far from my thoughts. I truly believe that I left part of my soul in that ancient land. To satisfy my longing to return, I wrote Sons of the Sphinx and Tutankhamen Speaks.” Visit her on Twitter and Facebook.